Exercise apparatus

ABSTRACT

Exercise apparatus of the type disclosed in the U.S. Pat. No. 6,705,976 is provided with (a) a specially designed “force transfer device” which is coupled to the distal end(s) of the tension cable(s) such that it is raised upward when the proximal end of a cable is pulled by a user, and (b) means for exerting a counterforce in the downward direction on the force transfer device when the force transfer device is raised upward by a cable. According to the invention, this counterforce exerting means includes at least one of ( 1 ) a substantially horizontal, cylindrical rod or the like for removably holding one or more weights, ( 2 ) at least one hook or the like for removably attaching one or more springs, and ( 3 ) means for attaching one or more damping devices.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is related to applicant's copending patent application Ser. No. 10/736,807, filed Dec. 15, 2003, entitled EXERCISE APPARATUS USING WEIGHTS FOR HIGH-SPEED TRAINING, now pending.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to body exercise equipment. More particularly, the present invention relates to exercise equipment of the type disclosed in the U.S. Pat. No. 6,705,976, the subject matter of which is incorporated herein by reference.

The human body moves primarily in circular or arcuate paths of motion, as evidenced by Leonardo Da Vinci's study of human proportions. From a biomedical standpoint, exercise equipment designed with resistance delivery systems oriented along an arced pathway are inherently more biomechanically optimized than those that are not. The aforesaid U.S. patent discloses two embodiments of exercise equipment of this type.

A first embodiment encloses a housing having a structural surface defining a prescribed concave arcuate contour having a number of cable exit points positioned along this surface. A number of cables, each having a proximal end and a distal end, are arranged such that the proximal end passes through one of the exit points and is attached to a gripping device, such as a handle, that enables the user to exert a tensile force in the cable by pulling the handle. The distal end of each cable is coupled to a common source of resistance such that, when the proximal end of each cable is pulled by a user, the source of resistance exerts a counterforce on the cable. Means are provided for retaining each cable in a retracted position when it is not being pulled by a user, even when one or more other cables is or are pulled by the user.

In a second embodiment, the exercise equipment comprises a frame having a track extending along a prescribed concave arcuate path. A moveable trolly, having an exit point for a cable, is repositionable to a number of fixed positions along the track. A single cable has a proximal end which extends through the exit point and is attached to a gripping device, such as a handle, that enables a user to exert a tensile force on the cable. The distal end of this cable is coupled to a source of resistance. Cable takeup means are provided, in the exercise equipment, for maintaining the length of the cable between its proximal end and the exit point through which it passes substantially constant, independent of the position of the trolley, and thus the exit point, along the track, when no tensile force is applied by the user.

While the exercise apparatus disclosed in the aforementioned U.S. Pat. No. 6,705,976 operates extremely well for the purpose for which it is intended, it is relatively expensive to manufacture and to transport. One of the significant costs of this equipment involves the source of resistance applied to the cable or cables used in the machine. This source of resistance comprises, as a minimum, a plurality of weights which form a “weight stack” that is coupled to the distal end of the cable(s) and is lifted vertically when the proximal end of a cable is pulled by a user.

The weight stack, which is normally guided by rods or rails to run vertically, includes a device for selecting the number of weights in the stack that are to be lifted as a unit by the user. The weights that are not selected remain in the lower part of the stack while the selected weights are lifted upward.

With a mechanism of this type, it is difficult to obtain a “starting resistance” or minimum resistance of less than five pounds because, even if no weights are selected, the device for selecting the weights, itself, has a minimum weight. Particularly in the case of physical therapy applications, and for the severely de-conditioned or elderly persons, it is useful to be able to set the lowest resistance weight to zero, or near zero.

As noted above, a further disadvantage of this exercise equipment is that the weights incorporated into the weight stack present a significant cost to manufacture. Also, the rods or rails, and the mechanism for selecting the weights to be lifted, add to the cost of the equipment. Furthermore, the cost of shipping the weights, rods, rails and mechanism for selecting the weights is not inconsiderable.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is a principal object of the present invention to provide exercise apparatus of the type described above which is considerably less expensive to manufacture and to transport.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide exercise apparatus of this type for which the resistance applied to the cable or cables may be reduced to zero, or near zero.

It is a still further object of the present invention to provide exercise apparatus of this type with easy-to-use means for adding or subtracting small measures of resistance.

It is a still further object of the present invention to provide exercise apparatus of this type which operates in essentially the same way as the known apparatus, and provides essentially the same response to a user, but which avoids the requirement that a weight stack be incorporated into the machine.

These objects, as well as other objects which will become apparent from the discussion that follows, are achieved, in accordance with the present invention, by providing (a) a specially designed “force transfer device” which is coupled to the distal end(s) of the cable(s) such that it is raised upward when the proximal end of a cable is pulled by a user, and (b) means for exerting a counterforce in the downward direction on the force transfer device when the force transfer device is raised upward. According to the invention, this counterforce exerting means includes at least one of (1) a substantially horizontal, cylindrical rod or the like for removably holding one or more weights, (2) at least one hook or the like for removably attaching one or more springs, and (3) means for attaching one or more damping devices.

With the improvement of the exercise equipment according to the invention, it is no longer necessary to incorporate a stack of weights in the machine to provide a constant resistance force, independent of the distance or speed with which the cable is pulled. According to the invention, the equipment is provided with means for holding one or more weights of the type that are readily available at any fitness center or physical therapy facility. These weights, which are normally disk shaped and have a central hole to permit attachment to a cylindrical rod or the like, may be used to provide the common source of resistance for the exercise equipment.

In addition or alternatively, means are provided for removably attaching one or more springs to provide a distance-dependent resistance force. Such a spring may be a tension spring, such as a coil spring, an elastic elongate member in the shape of a rod, tube, band, strap or flat strip, or a bendable rod. Such a spring may also be a compression spring which may be in the form of a coil spring or a bendable rod.

In addition or alternatively, means are provided for attaching at least one damping device, such as a hydraulic or pneumatic damper or an electromagnetic resistance device, to provide a speed-dependent resistance force to the cable(s).

For a full understanding of the present invention, reference should now be made to the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the invention as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an isometric, perspective front view of a first preferred embodiment of exercise apparatus which incorporates the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a cutaway side view of the apparatus of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a cutaway rear view of the apparatus of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a detailed view showing a portion of the apparatus of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a top view of the apparatus of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is an isometric, perspective front view of a second embodiment of exercise apparatus which incorporates the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a cutaway side view of the apparatus of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a cutaway rear view of the apparatus of FIG. 7.

FIGS. 10 a-10 c are side views of various types of springs which may be used in the exercise apparatus of FIGS. 1-9.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to FIGS. 1-10 of the drawings. Identical elements in the various figures are designated with the same reference numerals.

FIGS. 1-6 illustrate a first preferred embodiment and FIGS. 7-9 illustrate a second preferred embodiment of the exercise equipment to which the present invention relates. Both embodiments are based on exercise equipment which is fully disclosed in the aforementioned U.S. Pat. No. 6,705,976. The present invention concerns an improvement in exercise equipment of the type disclosed in this patent.

The first embodiment, shown in FIGS. 1-6, comprises exercise equipment 10 which incorporates a housing having a structural surface defining a concave arcuate contour. Disposed around this arcuate contour are seven pairs of pulleys, one pair of which is identified as 11. These pulleys are placed in an arcuate slot formed by two side frames 12. Each pair is spaced 30° away from its two neighbors, as is best seen in FIG. 3. A greater or smaller number of pairs of pulleys may be used.

Each pair of pulleys 11 defines, between them, a cable exit point positioned along the arcuate contour. Just outside each cable exit point is a pair of rollers 15 which retain the cable between them as it leaves the exit point so that it will not become dislodged from between the respective pair of pulleys 11.

As shown in FIG. 3, a separate cable 9 is passed through each one of the pairs of pulleys 11 to a proximal end 101. The proximal end of each cable 9, outside the rollers 15, is attached to a gripping device that enables a user to pull the cable away from the respective exit point. Examples of such devices are a bar 100, a loop handle 102 and a cuff 103, all of which have a fastener 101.1 that enables them to be attached to the proximal end 101 of each cable 9.

The cables extend from their proximal ends 101 to a distal end which is coupled to a common source of resistance such that, when the proximal end of each cable is pulled by a user, the source of resistance exerts a counter force on the cable. Starting from the proximal end, each cable extends through one of the pairs of pulleys 11 and then to a direction changing pulley 14. From there, the cables are passed upward and over a parallel set of direction changing pulleys 14.1. Then, as is best seen in FIG. 4, the cables 9 pass horizontally to a further parallel set of direction changing pulleys 14.2 and finally downward to a mechanism, best seen in FIG. 5, which provides a common source of resistance and includes means for retaining each cable in a retracted position, when it is not being pulled by a user, even when one or more other cables are pulled by a user.

As may be seen in FIG. 5, the distal end of each cable 9 is ultimately attached to a counterweight 16 which travels vertically through a slot mounted in a housing, with the slots and counterweights 16 positioned side by side at the ends of their respective cables 9 (one counterweight 16 for each cable 9 threaded through the system). Immediately above the set of counterweights is a horizontal plate assembly 18 with seven holes therein, each hole being aligned with one of the downwardly descending cables 9 to permit this cable to pass through it for attachment to its respective counterweight 16. When a user pulls on the proximal end of a cable 9, the counterweight 16, attached to its distal end, is lifted thereby contacting and lifting the horizontal plate assembly 18.

The horizontal plate assembly 18 is constrained to move vertically. For this purpose, the plate assembly 18 is connected to four rollers 20 that slide within four vertical tracks 21, 22, 23 and 24. As a consequence, movement of one or more of the cables 9 will vertically lift the plate assembly 18. During such cable movement, the remaining cables will be retained in their normal, retracted position by their respective counterweights 16.

As mentioned previously, the exercise equipment 10 is provided with a common source of resistance. It is this source of resistance for which the present invention differs from the mechanism disclosed in the U.S. Pat. No. 6,705,976.

As best seen in FIGS. 1, 4 and 5, the source of resistance for the exercise equipment 10 comprises a force transfer means, such as the horizontal plate assembly 18 which is constrained by the sliding rollers 12 to move within the four vertical tracks 21-24.

In addition the exercise equipment is provided with means for exerting a counterforce on the force transfer means 18. This counterforce exerting means may include a device, such as the horizontal, cylindrical rod 30, for removably holding one or more weights 32. The weights 32 are preferably of the type normally found at a fitness center or physical therapy facility so that, as a consequence, the machine need not be provided with such weights when manufactured and delivered.

Alternatively, or in addition, the means for exerting a counterforce on the force transfer means 18 when it moves upward may include a device for removably attaching one or more springs, such as tension springs 34 shown in FIGS. 1 and 4. These springs are attached between the rod 30 and a member 36 which extends outward from the bottom portion of the frame of the exercise equipment. Instead of such tension spring(s), one or more compression springs 40 may be provided to exert the resistance force.

As in the case of the weights, the spring or springs are made removable so that the amount of resistance may be easily adjusted by selecting springs of different tension and/or by attaching a desired number of springs.

Alternatively or in addition to the weights and/or springs which are removably attached to the exercise equipment, a damper 38 may be connected between the force transfer means 18 or rod 30 and the frame of the exercise equipment, or member 76, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 4.

The tension spring 34 may comprise a coil spring, an elastic band, strap, rod or tube, or it may be in the form of a bendable rod. Similarly, the compression spring may be a coil spring which is retained by a rod through its center or within a surrounding tube or a bendable rod, as is well known in the field of exercise equipment.

Various types of springs are illustrated in FIGS. 10 a-10 d. FIG. 10 a illustrates a coil spring, FIG. 10 b illustrates an elastic elongate band, FIG. 10 c illustrates an elastic tube and FIG. 10 d illustrates a bendable rod.

The damper 38 may comprise a hydraulic damper, pneumatic damper or an electromagnetic resistance element. Such a damper operates in the manner of a “shock absorber” in a motor vehicle suspension system. The amount of resistance force that it exerts is dependent upon the relative speed of displacement between its two ends.

In summary, the present invention provides a simple and relatively inexpensive means for exerting a resistance force against the retraction of one or more cables 9 when pulled from their proximal ends 101. The present invention makes it possible to apply three types of resistance force:

-   -   (1) a constant resistance force W produced by a weight or         weights 32;     -   (2) a distance-dependent force which results from spring(s) 34;         and     -   (3) a speed-dependent force which results from a damper 38.

A second embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in FIGS. 7-9. In this case, the exercise equipment is provided with a single cable 68 having a proximal end 67 that passes through a pair of pulleys 62. The pulley pair 62 is mounted on a movable trolley system 63 that can be repositioned along a track 64 attached to the housing 61.

As in the case of the first embodiment, the proximal end of the cable 68 is attached to a gripping device or handle 76 so that it may be pulled by a user.

After passing through the pulley pair 62, the cable 68 is directed through a set of pulleys 70 after which it ultimately extends downward to a source of resistance 69.

Since the distance between the pulley pair 72 and the first pair of pulleys 70 will vary as the trolley 63 is repositioned along the track 64, a cable takeup mechanism, comprising a pulley 72.1 which is moveable along a moveable bar 73.1, is provided. As the trolley is moved, a lever 74 is rotated about a pivot connection to pull the end of a flexible sheath cable 75. When the lever 74 is moved, the cable takeup mechanism 72 travels in a substantially vertical direction up or down in direct proportion to the distance the moveable trolley 63 is moved along the arced curve. Once the new position is found for the moveable trolley 63 the lever 74 is moved back causing a pin 73 to slide into a corresponding hole along the vertical rod 73.1 holding the pulley 72.1 in place.

The source of resistance in this second embodiment is considerably simpler than that of the first embodiment described above. In this embodiment the distal end of the cable 75 is attached to a plate 69 which is constrained to move vertically by vertical tracks 81, 82, 83, 84 arranged in each corner. This plate 69 serves as the force transfer device in this embodiment.

Extending outward from this plate 69 is a rod 75 of suitable size and diameter to hold one or more disk shaped weights 80. As in the case of the first embodiment, one or more tension springs 82 or dampers 84 may be connected between the rod 75 and a frame member 77 which protrudes outward from the bottom of the exercise equipment.

When in use, a pull on the gripping handle 76 results in raising the force transfer device 69 and, in turn, the counterforce exerting device 75 which protrudes through a slot 78 in the housing. The counterforce provided at the distal end of the cable 68 is easily adjusted by adding or subtracting weights 80, springs 82 or dampers 84 from the rod 75.

With the exception of the fact that the second embodiment operates with only a single cable, the force transfer device and the counterforce exerting device in the first and second embodiments are essentially the same.

There has thus been shown and described a novel exercise apparatus which fulfills all the objects and advantages sought therefor. Many changes, modifications, variations and other uses and applications of the subject invention will, however, become apparent to those skilled in the art after considering this specification and the accompanying drawings which disclose the preferred embodiments thereof. All such changes, modifications, variations and other uses and applications which do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention are deemed to be covered by the invention, which is to be limited only by the claims which follow. 

1. In exercise equipment including a housing having a structural surface defining a prescribed concave arcuate contour, at least three cable exit points positioned along the structural surface, each exit point having passed therethrough a cable having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end of each cable being located outside the structural surface and being attached to a device that enables a user to exert a tensile force to the cable by pulling the cable in any desired direction, the distal end of each cable extending downward and being coupled to a common source of resistance such that when the proximal end of each cable is pulled by a user, the source of resistance exerts a counterforce to such cable, and means for retaining each cable in a retracted position, when it is not being pulled by a user, even when one or more other cables are pulled by a user; the improvement wherein the source of resistance comprises, in combination: (a) force transfer means coupled to the distal end of each cable so as to be raised upward when the proximal end of one or more of said cables is pulled by a user; and (b) means for exerting a counterforce on said force transfer means when said force transfer means is raised upward, said counterforce exerting means including at least one of means for removably holding one or more weights, means for removably attaching one or more springs, and means for attaching one or more dampers.
 2. The exercise equipment recited in claim 1, wherein said means for exerting a counterforce includes at least one weight, removably held by said holding means.
 3. The exercise equipment recited in claim 1, wherein said means for exerting a counterforce includes at least one tension spring, removably attached to said attaching means.
 4. The exercise equipment recited in claim 3, wherein said tension spring includes an elastic elongate member.
 5. The exercise equipment recited in claim 4, wherein said elongate member has a shape selected from the group consisting of a rod, a tube, a band, a strap and a flat strip.
 6. The exercise equipment recited in claim 3, wherein said tension spring is a coil spring.
 7. The exercise equipment recited in claim 1, wherein said means for exerting a counterforce includes at least one compression spring, removably attached to said attaching means.
 8. The exercise equipment recited in claim 7, wherein said compression spring is a bendable rod.
 9. The exercise equipment recited in claim 7, wherein said compression spring is a coil spring.
 10. The exercise equipment recited in claim 1, wherein said means for exerting a counterforce includes at least one damper, coupled to said force transfer means.
 11. The exercise equipment recited in claim 10, wherein said damper is selected from the group consisting of a hydraulic damper, a pneumatic damper and electromagnetic resistance means.
 12. In exercise equipment including a frame having a track extending along a prescribed arcuate path; a movable trolley having an exit point for a cable, said trolley being repositionable to fixed positions along the track; said cable extending through said exit point and having a proximal end, located outside the track and attached to a device that enables a user to exert a tensile force to the cable, and a distal end coupled to a source of resistance; means for maintaining a length of the cable between its proximal end and the exit point through which it passes substantially constant, independently of the position of the trolley along the track, when no tensile force is applied thereto by a user; and a one-step combination trolley locking and cable take-up mechanism for controlling the position and retraction of the cable to maintain the proximal end of the cable close to the trolley when the trolley is repositioned and no tensile force is applied by the user; the improvement wherein the source of resistance comprises, in combination: (a) force transfer means coupled to the distal end of said cable so as to be raised upward when the proximal end of said cable is pulled by a user; and (b) means for exerting a counterforce on said force transfer means when said force transfer means is raised upward, said counterforce exerting means including at least one of means for removably holding one or more weights, and means for removably attaching one or more springs and means for attaching one or more dampers.
 13. The exercise equipment recited in claim 12, wherein said means for exerting a counterforce includes at least one weight, removably held by said holding means.
 14. The exercise equipment recited in claim 12, wherein said means for exerting a counterforce includes at least one tension spring, removably attached to said attaching means.
 15. The exercise equipment recited in claim 14, wherein said tension spring includes an elastic elongate member.
 16. The exercise equipment recited in claim 15, wherein said elongate member has a shape selected from the group consisting of a rod, a tube, a band, a strap and a flat strip.
 17. The exercise equipment recited in claim 14, wherein said tension spring is a coil spring.
 18. The exercise equipment recited in claim 12, wherein said means for exerting a counterforce includes at least one compression spring, removably attached to said attaching means.
 19. The exercise equipment recited in claim 18, wherein said compression spring is a bendable rod.
 20. The exercise equipment recited in claim 18, wherein said compression spring is a coil spring.
 21. The exercise equipment recited in claim 12, wherein said means for exerting a counterforce includes at least one damper, coupled to said force transfer means.
 22. The exercise equipment recited in claim 21, wherein said damper is selected from the group consisting of a hydraulic damper, a pneumatic damper and electromagnetic resistance means.
 23. In exercise equipment including a framed housing having a curved path, at least one cable exit point selectively positioned along the curved path, said exit point having passed therethrough a cable having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end being located outside the curved path and attached to means that enables a user to exert a tensile force to the cable against a selected resistance, with the distal end being coupled to a source of said selected resistance, such that when the proximal end of the cable is pulled by a user, the resistance exerts a counterforce at the distal end; and cable take-up means, disposed between the proximal end and the distal end, for maintaining the length of the cable between its proximal end and the exit point through which it passes substantially constant, independent of the position of the exit point along the curved path, when no tensile force is applied thereto by a user; the improvement wherein the source of resistance comprises, in combination: (a) force transfer means coupled to the distal end of said cable so as to be raised upward when the proximal end of said cable is pulled by a user; and (b) means for exerting a counterforce on said force transfer means when said force transfer means is raised upward, said counterforce exerting means including at least one of means for removably holding one or more weights, means for removably attaching one or more springs, and means for attaching one or more dampers.
 24. The exercise equipment recited in claim 23, wherein said means for exerting a counterforce includes at least one weight, removably held by said holding means.
 25. The exercise equipment recited in claim 23, wherein said means for exerting a counterforce includes at least one tension spring, removably attached to said attaching means.
 26. The exercise equipment recited in claim 25, wherein said tension spring includes an elastic elongate member.
 27. The exercise equipment recited in claim 26, wherein said elongate member has a shape selected from the group consisting of a rod, a tube, a band, a strap and a flat strip.
 28. The exercise equipment recited in claim 25, wherein said tension spring is a coil spring.
 29. The exercise equipment recited in claim 23, wherein said means for exerting a counterforce includes at least one compression spring, removably attached to said attaching means.
 30. The exercise equipment recited in claim 29, wherein said compression spring is a bendable rod.
 31. The exercise equipment recited in claim 29, wherein said compression spring is a coil spring.
 32. The exercise equipment recited in claim 23, wherein said means for exerting a counterforce includes at least one damper, coupled to said force transfer means.
 33. The exercise equipment recited in claim 32, wherein said damper is selected from the group consisting of a hydraulic damper, a pneumatic damper and electromagnetic resistance means.
 34. In exercise equipment including a housing having a structural surface defining a prescribed contour, multiple cable exit points positioned along the structural surface, each exit point having passed therethrough a cable having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end of each cable being located outside the structural surface and being attached to a device that enables a user to exert a tensile force to the cable by pulling the cable in any desired direction, the distal end of each cable being coupled to a common source of resistance such that when the proximal end of each cable is pulled by a user, the resistance exerts a counterforce to such cable, and means for retaining each cable in a retracted position, when it is not being pulled by a user, even when one or more other cables are pulled by a user; the improvement wherein the source of resistance comprises, in combination: (a) force transfer means coupled to the distal end of each cable so as to be raised upward when the proximal end of one or more of said cables is pulled by a user; and (b) means for exerting a counterforce on said force transfer means when said force transfer means is raised upward, said counterforce exerting means including at least one of means for removably holding one or more weights, means for removably attaching one or more springs, and means for attaching one or more dampers.
 35. The exercise equipment recited in claim 34, wherein said means for exerting a counterforce includes at least one weight, removably held by said holding means.
 36. The exercise equipment recited in claim 34, wherein said means for exerting a counterforce includes at least one tension spring, removably attached to said attaching means.
 37. The exercise equipment recited in claim 36, wherein said tension spring includes an elastic elongate member.
 38. The exercise equipment recited in claim 37, wherein said elongate member has a shape selected from the group consisting of a rod, a tube, a band, a strap and a flat strip.
 39. The exercise equipment recited in claim 36, wherein said tension spring is a coil spring.
 40. The exercise equipment recited in claim 34, wherein said means for exerting a counterforce includes at least one compression spring, removably attached to said attaching means.
 41. The exercise equipment recited in claim 40, wherein said compression spring is a bendable rod.
 42. The exercise equipment recited in claim 40, wherein said compression spring is a coil spring.
 43. The exercise equipment recited in claim 34, wherein said means for exerting a counterforce includes at least one damper, coupled to said force transfer means.
 44. The exercise equipment recited in claim 43, wherein said damper is selected from the group consisting of a hydraulic damper, a pneumatic damper and electromagnetic resistance means. 